CNA Certification (Written Exam)Infection Control and SafetyMedium
A fire alarm sounds while a nurse aide is assisting a resident in the shower room. Using the RACE fire response protocol, what is the FIRST action the aide should take?
- AActivate the fire alarm
- BExtinguish the fire with a nearby extinguisher
- CRescue anyone in immediate danger
- DConfine the fire by closing doors
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Rescue anyone in immediate danger
RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. The first priority is always to rescue anyone in immediate danger before alerting others, confining the fire, or attempting to extinguish it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Sounding the alarm is the second step, after ensuring immediate rescue.
- B. Extinguishing is the last step, only attempted for small, containable fires.
- D. Confining the fire happens after rescue and alarm, not before.
RACE Fire Protocol
RACE is the sequence for responding to a healthcare fire: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish.
- R = Rescue people in danger first
- A = Activate the alarm
- C = Confine fire by closing doors
- E = Extinguish only if safe and trained
Memory trick: Run to Rescue, Alert, Close doors, Extinguish